
Unofficial Ubuntu 5.04 Starter Guide
Revision: 4.17 (Last updated on 2nd August 2005) - Changelog
URL: http://www.ubuntuguide.org
Author: Chua Wen Kiat (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
Please consider donating to help the support and the improvement of this documentation. Thank you :)
Copyright (C) 2004-2005 Chua Wen Kiat.
This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.
This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU General Public License for more details.
- This is an Unofficial Ubuntu 5.04 Starter Guide. It is not associated with Ubuntu and Canonical Ltd.
- Guide is tested on a full installation of the Ubuntu 5.04 x86 Install CD (Hoary Hedgehog)
- If you see black box, means you have to execute the commands in Terminal mode (Applications -> System Tools -> Terminal)
- To reduce typo mistakes, copy and paste the commands into Terminal mode (right click on the commands -> "Copy" or "Paste")
- "sudo" means superuser do. "sudo" will prompt for "Password:". Please specify user password
- If you are tired of typing "sudo" all the time, switch to root user by issuing "sudo -s -H" followed by user password
- If you are tired of typing "apt-get" all the time, Read How to apt-get the easy way (Synaptic)?
- "apt-get" and "wget" requires Internet connection to install/update/download programs
- To download file, right click on the link -> Select "Save Link As..." -> Make sure file name and extension are correct
- Some multimedia applications may not load/produce sound, Read How to configure sound to work properly in GNOME?
- For any feedbacks, suggestions, discussions and bugs report to the author, please post comments: Here
- May the "humanity to others" spirit be with you always...
- What is Ubuntu?
- Where to view Ubuntu screenshots?
- Where to find a list of all the programs/libraries that comes with Ubuntu?
- Where to download Ubuntu?
- Where to order Ubuntu CDs for absolutely FREE?
- Where to find help for Ubuntu?
- How to download this entire UbuntuGuide?
- How to add extra repositories?
- How to backup/restore downloaded repositories cache?
- How to manually update Ubuntu?
- How to install Menu Editor for GNOME?
- How to install Clipboard Daemon for GNOME?
- How to install J2SE Runtime Environment (JRE) with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox?
- How to install Flash Player (Macromedia Flash) Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox?
- How to install PDF Reader (Adobe Reader) with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox?
- How to install Download Manager (Downloader for X)?
- How to install FTP Client (gFTP)?
- How to install P2P BitTorrent Client (Azureus)?
- How to install P2P eMule Client (aMule)?
- How to install P2P Gnutella Client (LimeWire)?
- How to install Messenger (Skype)?
- How to install WinPopup (LinPopUp)?
- How to install Multimedia Codecs?
- How to install DVD playback capability?
- How to install Multimedia Player (xine-ui)?
- How to install Multimedia Player (MPlayer) with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox?
- How to install Multimedia Player (XMMS)?
- How to install Multimedia Player (RealPlayer)?
- How to install Stream Directory Browser (streamtuner)?
- How to install ID3 Tag Editor (EasyTAG)?
- How to install Video Editor (Kino)?
- How to install Audio Editor (Audacity)?
- How to install DVD Ripper (dvd::rip)?
- How to install CD Ripper (Goobox)?
- How to install Email Client (Mozilla Thunderbird)?
- How to install Newsreader (Pan)?
- How to install RSS/RDF/Atom Newsreader (RSSOwl)?
- How to install Web Authoring System (Nvu)?
- How to install Project Management Application (Planner)?
- How to install Accounting Application (GnuCash)?
- How to install Desktop Publishing Application (Scribus)?
- How to install Diagram Editor (Dia)?
- How to install Compiled HTML Help (CHM) Viewer (xCHM)?
- How to install CD/DVD Burning Application (GnomeBaker)?
- How to install Dialup PPP Client (GNOME PPP)?
- How to install Broadband ADSL/PPPoE Client (RP-PPPoE)?
- How to install Boot-Up Manager (BUM)?
- How to install Partition Editor (GParted)?
- How to install Firewall (Firestarter)?
- How to install Vulnerability Scanner (Nessus)?
- How to install RAR Archiver (rar)?
- How to install Extra Fonts?
- How to install Chinese Input Method (SCIM)?
- How to install Desktop Applets (gDesklets)?
- How to install Game (Frozen-Bubble)?
- How to install Basic Compilers (build-essential)?
- How to install Windows 9X/ME/2000/XP (Win4Lin)?
- How to install Windows Applications (CrossOver Office)?
- How to install Windows Games (Cedega)?
- How to set/change/enable root user password?
- How to disable root user account?
- How to allow root user to login into GNOME?
- How to switch to root user in Console mode?
- How to add/edit/delete system users?
- How to add/edit/delete system groups?
- How to automatic login into GNOME (not secure)?
- How to allow more sudoers?
- How to use "sudo" without prompt for password (not secure)?
- How to explicitly destroy the "sudo" session?
- How to change files/folders permissions?
- How to change files/folders ownership?
- How to change files/folders group ownership?
- How to install Graphics Driver (NVIDIA)?
- How to disable NVIDIA graphics logo on GNOME startup?
- How to identify Modem chipset?
- How to install Modem Driver (SmartLink)?
- How to configure PalmOS Devices?
- How to list partition tables?
- How to list filesystem disk space usage?
- How to list mounted devices?
- How to list PCI devices?
- How to list USB devices?
- How to speed up CD/DVD-ROM?
- How to mount/unmount CD/DVD-ROM manually, and show all hidden and associated files/folders?
- How to forcefully unmount CD/DVD-ROM manually?
- How to remount /etc/fstab without rebooting?
- How to blank CD-RW/DVD-RW?
- How to burn files/folders into CD/DVD?
- How to burn Image (ISO) files into CD/DVD?
- How to duplicate CD/DVD?
- How to create Image (ISO) files from CD/DVD?
- How to create Image (ISO) files from folders?
- How to generate MD5 checksum files?
- How to check MD5 checksum of files?
- How to mount/unmount Image (ISO) files without burning?
- How to set/change the burn speed for CD/DVD Burner?
- How to enable burnproof for CD/DVD Burner?
- How to enable overburn for CD/DVD? Burner?
- How to activate/deactivate network connections?
- How to configure network connections?
- How to configure dialup connections?
- How to configure broadband connections?
- How to change computer name?
- How to change computer descriptions?
- How to change computer Domain/Workgroup?
- How to assign Hostname to local machine with dynamic IP using free DynDNS service?
- How to share folders the easy way?
- How to browse network computers?
- How to access network folders without mounting?
- How to mount/unmount network folders manually, and allow all users to read?
- How to mount/unmount network folders manually, and allow all users to read/write?
- How to mount network folders on boot-up, and allow all users to read?
- How to mount network folders on boot-up, and allow all users to read/write?
- How to configure remote desktop (not secure)?
- How to connect into remote Ubuntu desktop?
- How to connect into remote Ubuntu desktop via Windows machine?
- How to mount/unmount Windows partitions (NTFS) manually, and allow all users to read only?
- How to mount/unmount Windows partitions (FAT) manually, and allow all users to read/write?
- How to mount Windows partitions (NTFS) on boot-up, and allow all users to read only?
- How to mount Windows partitions (FAT) on boot-up, and allow all users to read/write?
- What are the basic things I need to know about securing my Ubuntu?
- How to disable all interactive editing control for GRUB menu?
- How to disable history listing in Console mode?
- How to disable Ctrl+Alt+Del from restarting computer in Console mode?
- How to enable prompt before removal/overwritten of files/folders in Console mode?
- How to gain root user access without login?
- How to modify kernel boot-up arguments, to gain root user access?
- How to use Ubuntu Installation CD, to gain root user access?
- How to change root user/main user password if forgotten?
- How to change GRUB menu password if forgotten?
- How to restore GRUB menu after Windows installation?
- How to add Windows entry into GRUB menu?
- How to read Linux partitions (ext2, ext3) in Windows machine?
- How to turn on Num Lock on GNOME startup?
- How to restart GNOME without rebooting computer?
- How to run programs on startup when login into GNOME?
- How to switch to Console mode in GNOME?
- How to disable Ctrl+Alt+Backspace from restarting X in GNOME?
- How to enable Ctrl+Alt+Del to open System Monitor in GNOME?
- How to refresh GNOME desktop?
- How to refresh GNOME panel?
- How to open each folder in the same window in Nautilus?
- How to show all hidden files/folders in Nautilus?
- How to browse files/folders as root user in Nautilus?
- How to show Desktop Icons (Computer, Home, Trash)?
- How to change default file type "Open with" program?
- How to change preferred email client to Mozilla Thunderbird?
- How to open files as root user via right click?
- How to disable beep sound in Terminal mode?
- How to load Web site faster in Mozilla Firefox?
- How to disable beep sound for link find function in Mozilla Firefox?
- How to restore the original icons for Mozilla Firefox?
- How to restore the original icons for Mozilla Thunderbird?
- How to apt-get the easy way (Synaptic)?
- How to install/uninstall .deb files?
- How to convert .rpm files to .deb files?
- How to rename all files in directory at once?
- How to manipulate all image files in directory at once?
- How to set System-wide Environment Variables?
- How to save "man" outputs into files?
- How to hide GRUB menu on boot-up?
- How to change the timeout seconds for GRUB menu on boot-up?
- How to change default Operating System boot-up for GRUB menu?
- How to display Splash Image for GRUB menu on boot-up?
- How to convert Wallpaper to Splash Image for GRUB menu?
- How to temporary skip boot-up services?
- How to permanently disable/enable boot-up services?
- How to clean /tmp/ folder contents on shutdown?
- How to scroll up and down to view previous outputs in Console mode?
- How to install ClamAV AntiVirus Server?
- How to manually update virus databases?
- How to manually scan files/folders for viruses?
- How to automatically scan files/folders for viruses?
- How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service?
- How to add/edit/delete network users?
- How to share home folders with read only permission (Authentication=Yes)?
- How to share home folders with read/write permissions (Authentication=Yes)?
- How to share group folders with read only permission (Authentication=Yes)?
- How to share group folders with read/write permissions (Authentication=Yes)?
- How to share public folders with read only permission (Authentication=Yes)?
- How to share public folders with read/write permissions (Authentication=Yes)?
- How to share public folders with read only permission (Authentication=No)?
- How to share public folders with read/write permissions (Authentication=No)?
- How to install SSH Server for remote administration service?
- How to SSH into remote Ubuntu machine?
- How to copy files/folders from remote Ubuntu machine into local machine (scp)?
- How to copy files/folders from local machine into remote Ubuntu machine (scp)?
- How to copy files/folders from remote Ubuntu machine into local machine (rsync)?
- How to copy files/folders from local machine into remote Ubuntu machine (rsync)?
- How to SSH into remote Ubuntu machine via Windows machine?
- How to copy files/folders from/into remote Ubuntu machine via Windows machine?
- How to install DHCP Server for automatic IP addresses assignment?
- How to install MYSQL Database Server?
- How to install MYSQL Control Center?
- How to install Apache HTTP Server for HTTP (Web) Server service?
- How to install PHP for Apache HTTP Server?
- How to install MYSQL for Apache HTTP Server?
- How to map URLs to folders outside /var/www/?
- How to change the default port number for Apache HTTP Server?
- How to parse RSS into PHP for Apache HTTP Server?
- How to install FTP Server for File Transfer service?
- How to configure FTP user to be "jailed" (chrooted) into their home directory?
- How to configure FTP Server to allow anonymous FTP user to read only?
- How to configure FTP Server to allow anonymous FTP user to read/write?
- How to map anonymous FTP user to folders outside /home/ftp/?
- How to change the default port number for FTP Server?
- How to ftp into remote Ubuntu machine via Windows machine?
- How to install GNUMP3d for Streaming Media Server service?
- How to change the default directory containing multimedia files for GNUMP3d?
- How to change the default port number for GNUMP3d?
- How to install Gallery for Image Gallery Server service?
- How to configure Gallery to be accessible via Internet (Hostname or fix IP) or LAN (fix IP)?
- How to configure Gallery to be accessible via LAN (dynamic IP)?
- How to backup/restore Gallery data?
- Configuring network interfaces... (taking too long to load)
- Synchronizing clock to ntp.ubuntulinux.org... (taking too long to load)
- How to disable system time/date from being reset to UTC (GMT)?
- How to configure sound to work properly in GNOME?
- How to forcefully empty Trash in GNOME?
- How to remove duplicate menu/menu items in GNOME?
- How to refresh Places menu in GNOME (if mounts to /media/ in /etc/fstab does not show up)?
- How to upgrade from Hoary Hedgehog to Breezy Badger (experimental)?
Q: What is Ubuntu?
- http://www.ubuntulinux.org/ubuntu
Q: Where to view Ubuntu screenshots?
- http://shots.osdir.com/slideshows/slideshow.php?release=305&slide=1
Q: Where to find a list of all the programs/libraries that comes with Ubuntu?
- Result of dpkg -l: Here
- http://packages.ubuntu.com/hoary
- http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=ubuntu
Q: Where to download Ubuntu?
- http://www.ubuntulinux.org/download
Q: Where to order Ubuntu CDs for absolutely FREE?
- http://shipit.ubuntulinux.org
Q: Where to find help for Ubuntu?
- Mailing Lists
- Web Forums
- IRC Channel
Q: How to download this entire UbuntuGuide?
- Read General Notes
wget -c http://ubuntuguide.org/ubuntu5.04.tar.gz
tar zxvf ubuntu5.04.tar.gz
- Read General Notes
sudo cp /etc/apt/sources.list /etc/apt/sources.list_backup
sudo gedit /etc/apt/sources.list
- Find this section
...
## Uncomment the following two lines to fetch updated software from the network
# deb http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary main restricted
# deb-src http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary main restricted
## Uncomment the following two lines to fetch major bug fix updates produced
## after the final release of the distribution.
# deb http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary-updates main restricted
# deb-src http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary-updates main restricted
## Uncomment the following two lines to add software from the 'universe'
## repository.
## N.B. software from this repository is ENTIRELY UNSUPPORTED by the Ubuntu
## team, and may not be under a free licence. Please satisfy yourself as to
## your rights to use the software. Also, please note that software in
## universe WILL NOT receive any review or updates from the Ubuntu security
## team.
# deb http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary universe
# deb-src http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary universe
# deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary-security main restricted
# deb-src http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary-security main restricted
# deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary-security universe
# deb-src http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary-security universe
- Replace with the following lines
## Uncomment the following two lines to fetch updated software from the network
deb http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary main restricted
deb-src http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary main restricted
## Uncomment the following two lines to fetch major bug fix updates produced
## after the final release of the distribution.
deb http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary-updates main restricted
deb-src http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary-updates main restricted
## Uncomment the following two lines to add software from the 'universe'
## repository.
## N.B. software from this repository is ENTIRELY UNSUPPORTED by the Ubuntu
## team, and may not be under a free licence. Please satisfy yourself as to
## your rights to use the software. Also, please note that software in
## universe WILL NOT receive any review or updates from the Ubuntu security
## team.
deb http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary universe
deb-src http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary universe
deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary-security main restricted
deb-src http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary-security main restricted
deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary-security universe
deb-src http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary-security universe
deb http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary multiverse
deb-src http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu hoary multiverse
## Backports
deb http://ubuntu-backports.mirrormax.net/ hoary-backports main universe multiverse restricted
deb http://ubuntu-backports.mirrormax.net/ hoary-extras main universe multiverse restricted
- Save the edited file (sample)
sudo apt-get update
Q: How to backup/restore downloaded repositories cache?
- Read General Notes
- To backup downloaded repositories cache
sudo tar zcvf apt.tgz /etc/apt/ /var/lib/apt/ /var/cache/apt/
- To restore downloaded repositories cache
sudo tar zxvf apt.tgz -C /
Q: How to manually update Ubuntu?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install smeg
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> System Tools -> Smeg Menu Editor
Q: How to install Clipboard Daemon for GNOME?
- Read General Notes
wget -c http://frankandjacq.com/ubuntuguide/gnome-clipboard-daemon-1.0.bin.tar.bz2
sudo tar jxvf gnome-clipboard-daemon-1.0.bin.tar.bz2 -C /usr/bin/
sudo chown root:root /usr/bin/gnome-clipboard-daemon
sudo chmod 755 /usr/bin/gnome-clipboard-daemon
sudo gnome-clipboard-daemon &
- System -> Preferences -> Sessions
- Sessions
Startup Programs Tab -> Add
Startup Command: gnome-clipboard-daemon
Order: 80
Q: How to install J2SE Runtime Environment (JRE) with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install sun-j2re1.5
java -version
- Restart Mozilla Firefox
Q: How to install Flash Player (Macromedia Flash) Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install flashplayer-mozilla
- Restart Mozilla Firefox
Q: How to install PDF Reader (Adobe Reader) with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install acroread
sudo apt-get install mozilla-acroread
sudo apt-get install acroread-plugins
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Office -> Adobe Reader
- Restart Mozilla Firefox
Q: How to install Download Manager (Downloader for X)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install d4x
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Internet -> Downloader for X
Q: How to install FTP Client (gFTP)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install gftp
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Internet -> gFTP
Q: How to install P2P BitTorrent Client (Azureus)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to install J2SE Runtime Environment (JRE) with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox?
sudo apt-get install azureus
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Internet -> Azureus
Q: How to install P2P eMule Client (aMule)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install amule
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Internet -> aMule
Q: How to install P2P Gnutella Client (LimeWire)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to install J2SE Runtime Environment (JRE) with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox?
wget -c http://frankandjacq.com/ubuntuguide/LimeWireOther.zip
sudo unzip -u LimeWireOther.zip -d /opt/
sudo chown -R root:root /opt/LimeWire/
sudo gedit /usr/bin/runLime.sh
- Insert the following lines into the new file
cd /opt/LimeWire/
./runLime.sh
- Save the edited file (sample)
sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/runLime.sh
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/LimeWire.desktop
- Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=LimeWire
Comment=LimeWire
Exec=runLime.sh
Icon=/opt/LimeWire/LimeWire.ico
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;Network;
- Save the edited file (sample)
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Internet -> LimeWire
Q: How to install Messenger (Skype)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install libqt3c102-mt
wget -c http://frankandjacq.com/ubuntuguide/skype_1.2.0.11-1_i386.deb
sudo dpkg -i skype_1.2.0.11-1_i386.deb
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Internet -> Skype
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
- Read How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service?
sudo apt-get install linpopup
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/linpopup.desktop
- Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=LinPopUp
Comment=LinPopUp
Exec=linpopup
Icon=/usr/share/pixmaps/linpopup.xpm
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;Utility;
- Save the edited file (sample)
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Accessories -> LinPopUp
Q: How to install Multimedia Codecs?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install gstreamer0.8-plugins
sudo apt-get install gstreamer0.8-lame
sudo apt-get install gstreamer0.8-ffmpeg
sudo apt-get install w32codecs
sudo apt-get install libdivx4linux
sudo apt-get install lame
sudo apt-get install sox
sudo apt-get install ffmpeg
sudo apt-get install mjpegtools
sudo apt-get install vorbis-tools
gst-register-0.8
Q: How to install DVD playback capability?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install libdvdcss2
Q: How to install Multimedia Player (xine-ui)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
- Read How to install Multimedia Codecs?
- Read How to install DVD playback capability?
sudo apt-get install xine-ui
- Associate xine-ui to play multimedia files
gconftool-2 --type string --set /desktop/gnome/volume_manager/autoplay_dvd_command "xine dvd://"
sudo rm -f /usr/share/applnk/Multimedia/xine.desktop
sudo ln -fs /usr/share/xine/desktop/xine.desktop /usr/share/applications/
sudo cp /usr/share/applications/defaults.list /usr/share/applications/defaults.list_backup
sudo sed -e 's/totem.desktop/xine.desktop/g' /usr/share/applications/defaults.list_backup > /tmp/defaults.list
sudo mv /tmp/defaults.list /usr/share/applications/defaults.list
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Read How to refresh GNOME desktop?
- Applications -> Sound & Video -> xine
Q: How to install Multimedia Player (MPlayer) with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
- Read How to install Multimedia Codecs?
- Read How to install DVD playback capability?
sudo apt-get install mplayer-386
sudo apt-get install mplayer-fonts
sudo apt-get install mozilla-mplayer
sudo cp /etc/mplayer/mplayer.conf /etc/mplayer/mplayer.conf_backup
sudo gedit /etc/mplayer/mplayer.conf
- Find this line
...
vo=x11, # To specify default video driver (see -vo help for
...
- Replace with the following line
vo=xv, # To specify default video driver (see -vo help for
- Save the edited file (sample)
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Sound & Video -> MPlayer
- Restart Mozilla Firefox
Q: How to install Multimedia Player (XMMS)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
- Read How to install Multimedia Codecs?
sudo apt-get install xmms
wget -c http://frankandjacq.com/ubuntuguide/xmms-wma_1.0.4-2_i386.deb
sudo dpkg -i xmms-wma_1.0.4-2_i386.deb
- Associate XMMS to play MP3/M3U/WAV files
sudo cp /usr/share/applications/defaults.list /usr/share/applications/defaults.list_backup
sudo cp /usr/share/applications/defaults.list /tmp/defaults.list_tmp
sudo sed -e 's/audio\/mpeg=.*/audio\/mpeg=XMMS.desktop/g' /tmp/defaults.list_tmp > /tmp/defaults.mp3
sudo sed -e 's/audio\/x-mpegurl=.*/audio\/x-mpegurl=XMMS.desktop/g' /tmp/defaults.mp3 > /tmp/defaults.m3u
sudo sed -e 's/audio\/x-wav=.*/audio\/x-wav=XMMS.desktop/g' /tmp/defaults.m3u > /tmp/defaults.list
sudo mv /tmp/defaults.list /usr/share/applications/defaults.list
sudo rm -f /tmp/defaults.*
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Read How to refresh GNOME desktop?
- Applications -> Sound & Video -> XMMS
Q: How to install Multimedia Player (RealPlayer)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install realplayer
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Sound & Video -> RealPlayer 10
Q: How to install Stream Directory Browser (streamtuner)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install streamtuner
sudo apt-get install streamripper
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Sound & Video -> streamtuner
Q: How to install ID3 Tag Editor (EasyTAG)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install easytag
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Sound & Video -> EasyTAG
Q: How to install Video Editor (Kino)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
- Read How to install Multimedia Codecs?
sudo apt-get install kino
sudo apt-get install kinoplus
sudo apt-get install kino-timfx
sudo apt-get install kino-dvtitler
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Sound & Video -> Kino Video Editor
Q: How to install Audio Editor (Audacity)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
- Read How to install Multimedia Codecs?
sudo apt-get install audacity
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Sound & Video -> Audacity
Q: How to install DVD Ripper (dvd::rip)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
- Read How to install Multimedia Codecs?
- Read How to install DVD playback capability?
- Read How to install Multimedia Player (MPlayer) with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox?
- Read How to install RAR Archiver (rar)?
sudo apt-get install dvdrip
sudo apt-get install vcdimager
sudo apt-get install cdrdao
sudo apt-get install subtitleripper
sudo ln -fs /usr/bin/rar /usr/bin/rar-2.80
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/dvdrip.desktop
- Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=dvd::rip
Comment=dvd::rip
Exec=dvdrip
Icon=/usr/share/perl5/Video/DVDRip/icon.xpm
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;AudioVideo;
- Save the edited file (sample)
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Sound & Video -> dvd::rip
Q: How to install CD Ripper (Goobox)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
- Read How to install Multimedia Codecs?
sudo apt-get install goobox
sudo rm -f /usr/share/applications/goobox.desktop
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/goobox.desktop
- Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=CD Player & Ripper
Comment=Play and extract CDs
Exec=goobox
Icon=goobox.png
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;AudioVideo;
- Save the edited file (sample)
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Sound & Video -> CD Player & Ripper
Q: How to install Email Client (Mozilla Thunderbird)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install mozilla-thunderbird
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Internet -> Thunderbird Mail Client
Q: How to install Newsreader (Pan)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install pan
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Internet -> Pan Newsreader
- Read General Notes
- Read How to install J2SE Runtime Environment (JRE) with Plug-in for Mozilla Firefox?
wget -c http://frankandjacq.com/ubuntuguide/rssowl_linux_1_1_3_bin.tar.gz
sudo tar zxvf rssowl_linux_1_1_3_bin.tar.gz -C /opt/
sudo chown -R root:root /opt/rssowl_linux_1_1_3_bin/
sudo gedit /usr/bin/runRSSOwl.sh
- Insert the following lines into the new file
export MOZILLA_FIVE_HOME=/usr/lib/mozilla-firefox
export LD_LIBRARY_PATH=$LD_LIBRARY_PATH:${MOZILLA_FIVE_HOME}:${LD_LIBRARY_PATH}
cd /opt/rssowl_linux_1_1_3_bin/
./run.sh
- Save the edited file (sample)
sudo chmod +x /usr/bin/runRSSOwl.sh
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/RSSOwl.desktop
- Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=RSSOwl
Comment=RSSOwl
Exec=runRSSOwl.sh
Icon=/opt/rssowl_linux_1_1_3_bin/rssowl.xpm
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;Network;
- Save the edited file (sample)
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Internet -> RSSOwl
Q: How to install Web Authoring System (Nvu)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install nvu
sudo rm -f /usr/share/applications/nvu.desktop
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/nvu.desktop
- Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=Nvu
Comment=Web Development Editor
Exec=nvu
Icon=nvu.xpm
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;Network;
- Save the edited file (sample)
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Internet -> Nvu
Q: How to install Project Management Application (Planner)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install planner
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Office -> Project Management
Q: How to install Accounting Application (GnuCash)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install gnucash
sudo rm -fr /usr/share/gnome/apps/Applications/
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/GnuCash.desktop
- Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=GnuCash
Comment=GnuCash Personal Finance
Exec=gnucash
Icon=/usr/share/pixmaps/gnucash/gnucash-icon.png
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;Office;
- Save the edited file (sample)
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Office -> GnuCash
Q: How to install Desktop Publishing Application (Scribus)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install scribus
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Office -> Scribus
Q: How to install Diagram Editor (Dia)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install dia-gnome
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Graphics -> Dia
Q: How to install Compiled HTML Help (CHM) Viewer (xCHM)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install xchm
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Graphics -> xCHM
Q: How to install CD/DVD Burning Application (GnomeBaker)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install gnomebaker
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Accessories -> GnomeBaker CD/DVD Creator
Q: How to install Dialup PPP Client (GNOME PPP)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install gnome-ppp
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Internet -> GNOME PPP
Q: How to install Broadband ADSL/PPPoE Client (RP-PPPoE)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to install Basic Compilers (build-essential)?
wget -c http://frankandjacq.com/ubuntuguide/rp-pppoe-3.5.tar.gz
sudo tar zxvf rp-pppoe-3.5.tar.gz -C /opt/
sudo chown -R root:root /opt/rp-pppoe-3.5/
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/RP-PPPoE.desktop
- Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=RP-PPPoE
Comment=RP-PPPoE
Exec=gksudo /opt/rp-pppoe-3.5/go-gui
Icon=
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;Network;
- Save the edited file (sample)
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Internet -> RP-PPPoE
Q: How to install Boot-Up Manager (BUM)?
- Read General Notes
wget -c http://frankandjacq.com/ubuntuguide/bum_1.3.2-1_all.deb
sudo dpkg -i bum_1.3.2-1_all.deb
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- System -> Administration -> Boot-Up Manager
Q: How to install Partition Editor (GParted)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install gparted
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> System Tools -> GParted
Q: How to install Firewall (Firestarter)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install firestarter
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> System Tools -> Firestarter
Q: How to install Vulnerability Scanner (Nessus)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install nessus
sudo apt-get install nessusd
sudo nessus-adduser
sudo ln -fs /etc/init.d/nessusd /etc/rc2.d/S20nessusd
sudo /etc/init.d/nessusd start
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/Nessus.desktop
- Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=Nessus
Comment=Nessus
Exec=nessus
Icon=/usr/share/pixmaps/nessus.xpm
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;System;
- Save the edited file (sample)
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> System Tools -> Nessus
Q: How to install RAR Archiver (rar)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install rar
sudo ln -fs /usr/bin/rar /usr/bin/unrar
- Applications -> Accessories -> Archive Manager
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install xfonts-intl-arabic
sudo apt-get install xfonts-intl-asian
sudo apt-get install xfonts-intl-chinese
sudo apt-get install xfonts-intl-chinese-big
sudo apt-get install xfonts-intl-european
sudo apt-get install xfonts-intl-japanese
sudo apt-get install xfonts-intl-japanese-big
sudo apt-get install xfonts-intl-phonetic
sudo apt-get install gsfonts-x11
sudo apt-get install msttcorefonts
sudo fc-cache -f -v
sudo cp /etc/fonts/local.conf /etc/fonts/local.conf_backup
sudo gedit /etc/fonts/local.conf
- Find this section
...
<!-- Uncomment below to enable the freetype autohinter module -->
<!--
<match target="font">
<edit name="autohint" mode="assign">
<bool>true</bool>
</edit>
</match>
-->
...
- Replace with the following lines
<match target="font">
<edit name="autohint" mode="assign">
<bool>true</bool>
</edit>
</match>
- Save the edited file (sample)
- Read How to restart GNOME without rebooting computer?
Q: How to install Chinese Input Method (SCIM)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
- Read How to install Extra Fonts?
sudo apt-get install scim
sudo apt-get install scim-chinese
sudo apt-get install scim-config-socket
sudo apt-get install scim-gtk2-immodule
sudo apt-get install scim-tables-zh
wget -c http://frankandjacq.com/ubuntuguide/fireflysung-1.3.0.tar.gz
sudo tar zxvf fireflysung-1.3.0.tar.gz -C /usr/share/fonts/truetype/
sudo chown -R root:root /usr/share/fonts/truetype/fireflysung-1.3.0/
sudo fc-cache -f -v
- System -> Preferences -> SCIM Input Method Setup
- To activate SCIM
Press 'Ctrl + Space'
Q: How to install Desktop Applets (gDesklets)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install gdesklets
sudo apt-get install gdesklets-data
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Accessories -> gDesklets
Q: How to install Game (Frozen-Bubble)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install frozen-bubble
- Read How to refresh GNOME panel?
- Applications -> Games -> Frozen-Bubble
Q: How to install Basic Compilers (build-essential)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install build-essential
Q: How to install Windows 9X/ME/2000/XP (Win4Lin)?
- http://www.win4lin.com
Q: How to install Windows Applications (CrossOver Office)?
- http://www.codeweavers.com
Q: How to install Windows Games (Cedega)?
- http://www.transgaming.com
Q: How to set/change/enable root user password?
- Read General Notes
sudo passwd root
Q: How to disable root user account?
- Read General Notes
sudo passwd -l root
Q: How to allow root user to login into GNOME?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to set/change/enable root user password?
- System -> Administration -> Login Screen Setup
- Login Screen Setup
Security Tab -> Options -> Allow root to login with GDM (Checked)
Q: How to switch to root user in Console mode?
- Read General Notes
sudo -s -H
Password: <specify user password>
Q: How to add/edit/delete system users?
- Read General Notes
- System -> Administration -> Users and Groups
- Users and Groups
Users Tab -> Add User.../Properties/Delete
Q: How to add/edit/delete system groups?
- Read General Notes
- System -> Administration -> Users and Groups
- Users and Groups
Groups Tab -> Add Group.../Properties/Delete
Q: How to automatic login into GNOME (not secure)?
- Read General Notes
- System -> Administration -> Login Screen Setup
- Login Screen Setup
General Tab -> Automatic Login ->
Login a user automatically on first bootup (Checked)
Automatic login username: Select "system_username"
Q: How to allow more sudoers?
- Read General Notes
export EDITOR=gedit && sudo visudo
- Append the following line at the end of file
system_username ALL=(ALL) ALL
- Save the edited file (sample)
Q: How to use "sudo" without prompt for password (not secure)?
- Read General Notes
export EDITOR=gedit && sudo visudo
- Find this line
...
system_username ALL=(ALL) ALL
...
- Replace with the following line
system_username ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL
- Save the edited file (sample)
Q: How to explicitly destroy the "sudo" session?
- Read General Notes
sudo -K
Q: How to change files/folders permissions?
- Read General Notes
Right click on files/folders -> Properties
Permissions Tab -> Read/Write/Execute (Checked the permissions for Owner/Group/Others)
Q: How to change files/folders ownership?
- Read General Notes
sudo chown system_username /location_of_files_or_folders
Q: How to change files/folders group ownership?
- Read General Notes
sudo chgrp system_groupname /location_of_files_or_folders
Q: How to install Graphics Driver (NVIDIA)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
sudo apt-get install nvidia-glx
sudo apt-get install nvidia-settings
sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf_backup
sudo nvidia-glx-config enable
sudo gedit /usr/share/applications/NVIDIA-Settings.desktop
- Insert the following lines into the new file
[Desktop Entry]
Name=NVIDIA Settings
Comment=NVIDIA Settings
Exec=nvidia-settings
Icon=
Terminal=false
Type=Application
Categories=Application;System;
- Save the edited file (sample)
- Read How to restart GNOME without rebooting computer?
- Applications -> System Tools -> NVIDIA Settings
Q: How to disable NVIDIA graphics logo on GNOME startup?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to install Graphics Driver (NVIDIA)?
sudo cp /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf_backup
sudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf
- Find this section
...
Section "Device"
Identifier "NVIDIA Corporation NV11 [GeForce2 MX/MX 400]"
Driver "nvidia"
BusID "PCI:1:0:0"
...
- Add the following line below it
Option "NoLogo"
- Save the edited file (sample)
- Read How to restart GNOME without rebooting computer?
Q: How to identify Modem chipset?
- Read General Notes
- To install Modem chipset identifier
- Read How to install Basic Compilers (build-essential)?
wget -c http://frankandjacq.com/ubuntuguide/scanModem.gz
gunzip -c scanModem.gz > scanModem
chmod +x scanModem
sudo cp scanModem /usr/bin/
- To identify Modem chipset
sudo scanModem
gedit Modem/ModemData.txt
Q: How to install Modem Driver (SmartLink)?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
uname -r (must be 2.6.10-5-386)
wget -c http://frankandjacq.com/ubuntuguide/sl-modem-modules-2.6.10-5-386_2.9.9a-1ubuntu2+2.6.10-34_i386.deb
sudo dpkg -i sl-modem-modules-*.deb
sudo apt-get install sl-modem-daemon
Q: How to configure PalmOS Devices?
- Read General Notes
sudo gedit /etc/udev/rules.d/10-custom.rules
- Insert the following line into the new file
BUS="usb", SYSFS{product}="Palm Handheld*", KERNEL="ttyUSB*", NAME{ignore_remove}="pilot", MODE="666"
- Save the edited file (sample)
- System -> Preferences -> PalmOS Devices
- Follow the instructions on screen
Q: How to list partition tables?
- Read General Notes
sudo fdisk -l
Q: How to list filesystem disk space usage?
- Read General Notes
df -T -h
Q: How to list mounted devices?
- Read General Notes
mount
Q: How to list PCI devices?
- Read General Notes
lspci
Q: How to list USB devices?
- Read General Notes
lsusb
Q: How to speed up CD/DVD-ROM?
- Read General Notes
e.g. Assumed that /dev/cdrom is the location of CD/DVD-ROM
sudo hdparm -d1 /dev/cdrom
sudo cp /etc/hdparm.conf /etc/hdparm.conf_backup
sudo gedit /etc/hdparm.conf
- Append the following lines at the end of file
/dev/cdrom {
dma = on
}
- Save the edited file (sample)
Q: How to mount/unmount CD/DVD-ROM manually, and show all hidden and associated files/folders?
- Read General Notes
e.g. Assumed that /media/cdrom0/ is the location of CD/DVD-ROM
- To mount CD/DVD-ROM
sudo mount /media/cdrom0/ -o unhide
- To unmount CD/DVD-ROM
sudo umount /media/cdrom0/
Q: How to forcefully unmount CD/DVD-ROM manually?
- Read General Notes
e.g. Assumed that /media/cdrom0/ is the location of CD/DVD-ROM
sudo umount /media/cdrom0/ -l
Q: How to remount /etc/fstab without rebooting?
- Read General Notes
sudo mount -a
Q: How to blank CD-RW/DVD-RW?
- Read General Notes
e.g. Assumed that /dev/cdrom is the location of CD/DVD-ROM
sudo umount /dev/cdrom
cdrecord dev=/dev/cdrom blank=fast
Q: How to burn files/folders into CD/DVD?
- Read General Notes
nautilus burn:///
- File Browser: CD/DVD Creator
Drag files/folders into window
File Menu -> Write to Disc... -> Write
Q: How to burn Image (ISO) files into CD/DVD?
- Read General Notes
Right click on Image (ISO) file -> Write to Disc... -> Write
Q: How to duplicate CD/DVD?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to create Image (ISO) files from CD/DVD?
- Read How to burn Image (ISO) files into CD/DVD?
Q: How to create Image (ISO) files from CD/DVD?
- Read General Notes
e.g. Assumed that /dev/cdrom is the location of CD/DVD-ROM
sudo umount /dev/cdrom
dd if=/dev/cdrom of=file.iso bs=1024
Q: How to create Image (ISO) files from folders?
- Read General Notes
mkisofs -o file.iso /location_of_folder/
Q: How to generate MD5 checksum files?
- Read General Notes
md5sum file.iso > file.iso.md5
Q: How to check MD5 checksum of files?
- Read General Notes
e.g. Assumed that file.iso and file.iso.md5 are in the same folder
md5sum -c file.iso.md5
Q: How to mount/unmount Image (ISO) files without burning?
- Read General Notes
- To mount Image (ISO) file
sudo mkdir /media/iso
sudo modprobe loop
sudo mount file.iso /media/iso/ -t iso9660 -o loop
- To unmount Image (ISO) file
sudo umount /media/iso/
Q: How to set/change the burn speed for CD/DVD Burner?
- Read General Notes
- Applications -> System Tools -> Configuration Editor
- Configuration Editor
/ -> apps -> nautilus-cd-burner -> default_speed (set/change the burn speed)
Q: How to enable burnproof for CD/DVD Burner?
- Read General Notes
- Applications -> System Tools -> Configuration Editor
- Configuration Editor
/ -> apps -> nautilus-cd-burner -> burnproof (Checked)
Q: How to enable overburn for CD/DVD? Burner?
- Read General Notes
- Applications -> System Tools -> Configuration Editor
- Configuration Editor
/ -> apps -> nautilus-cd-burner -> overburn (Checked)
Q: How to activate/deactivate network connections?
- Read General Notes
- System -> Administration -> Networking
- Network settings
Connections Tab -> Select "Ethernet connection" -> Activate/Deactivate
Q: How to configure network connections?
- Read General Notes
- System -> Administration -> Networking
- Network settings
Connections Tab -> Select "Ethernet connection" -> Properties
Connection -> This device is configured (Checked)
Connection Settings -> Configuration: Select "DHCP/Static IP address"
DNS Tab -> DNS Servers -> Add/Delete
- Read How to activate/deactivate network connections?
Q: How to configure dialup connections?
- Read General Notes
- To configure dialup
sudo pppconfig
- To connect dialup
sudo pon provider_name
- To disconnect dialup
sudo poff
Q: How to configure broadband connections?
- Read General Notes
sudo pppoeconf
Q: How to change computer name?
- Read General Notes
- System -> Administration -> Networking
- Network settings
General Tab -> Host Settings -> Hostname: Specify the computer name
- Save and close all opened applications, Reboot computer
Q: How to change computer descriptions?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service?
sudo cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf_backup
sudo gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf
- Find this line
...
server string = %h server (Samba, Ubuntu)
...
- Replace with the following line
server string = new_computer_descriptions
- Save the edited file (sample)
sudo testparm
sudo /etc/init.d/samba restart
Q: How to change computer Domain/Workgroup?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service?
sudo cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf_backup
sudo gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf
- Find this line
...
workgroup = MSHOME
...
- Replace with the following line
workgroup = new_domain_or_workgroup
- Save the edited file (sample)
sudo testparm
sudo /etc/init.d/samba restart
Q: How to assign Hostname to local machine with dynamic IP using free DynDNS service?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to add extra repositories?
e.g. Assumed that internet connections have been configured properly
Register free Dynamic DNS at https://www.dyndns.org
Automatically refresh IP in DynDNS Database/DNS every hour
* * * * * means minute hour date month year
sudo apt-get install ipcheck
sudo gedit /root/dyndns_update.sh
- Insert the following lines into the new file
USERNAME=myusername
PASSWORD=mypassword
HOSTNAME=myhostname.dyndns.org
cd /root/
if [ -f /root/ipcheck.dat ]; then
ipcheck -r checkip.dyndns.org:8245 $USERNAME $PASSWORD $HOSTNAME
else
ipcheck --makedat -r checkip.dyndns.org:8245 $USERNAME $PASSWORD $HOSTNAME
fi
- Save the edited file (sample)
sudo chmod 700 /root/dyndns_update.sh
sudo sh /root/dyndns_update.sh
export EDITOR=gedit && sudo crontab -e
- Append the following line at the end of file
00 * * * * sudo sh /root/dyndns_update.sh
- Save the edited file
Q: How to share folders the easy way?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service?
Right click on folder -> Share folder
Shared folder -> Share with: Select "SMB"
Share properties -> Name: Specify the share name
Q: How to browse network computers?
- Read General Notes
e.g. Assumed that network connections have been configured properly
If computers or network folders could not be found, try access them directly
Read How to access network folders without mounting?
- Places -> Network Servers
Q: How to access network folders without mounting?
- Read General Notes
e.g. Assumed that network connections have been configured properly
Network computer's IP: 192.168.0.1
Shared folder's name: linux
- Applications -> Run Application...
- Run Application
smb://192.168.0.1/linux
Q: How to mount/unmount network folders manually, and allow all users to read?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service?
e.g. Assumed that network connections have been configured properly
Network computer's IP: 192.168.0.1
Network computer's Username: myusername
Network computer's Password: mypassword
Shared folder's name: linux
Local mount folder: /media/sharename
- To mount network folder
sudo mkdir /media/sharename
sudo mount //192.168.0.1/linux /media/sharename/ -o username=myusername,password=mypassword
- To unmount network folder
sudo umount /media/sharename/
Q: How to mount/unmount network folders manually, and allow all users to read/write?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service?
e.g. Assumed that network connections have been configured properly
Network computer's IP: 192.168.0.1
Network computer's Username: myusername
Network computer's Password: mypassword
Shared folder's name: linux
Local mount folder: /media/sharename
- To mount network folder
sudo mkdir /media/sharename
sudo mount //192.168.0.1/linux /media/sharename/ -o username=myusername,password=mypassword,dmask=777,fmask=777
- To unmount network folder
sudo umount /media/sharename/
Q: How to mount network folders on boot-up, and allow all users to read?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service?
e.g. Assumed that network connections have been configured properly
Network computer's IP: 192.168.0.1
Network computer's Username: myusername
Network computer's Password: mypassword
Shared folder's name: linux
Local mount folder: /media/sharename
sudo mkdir /media/sharename
sudo gedit /root/.smbcredentials
- Insert the following lines into the new file
username=myusername
password=mypassword
- Save the edited file (sample)
sudo chmod 700 /root/.smbcredentials
sudo cp /etc/fstab /etc/fstab_backup
sudo gedit /etc/fstab
- Append the following line at the end of file
//192.168.0.1/linux /media/sharename smbfs credentials=/root/.smbcredentials 0 0
- Save the edited file (sample)
- Read How to remount /etc/fstab without rebooting?
Q: How to mount network folders on boot-up, and allow all users to read/write?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to install Samba Server for files/folders sharing service?
e.g. Assumed that network connections have been configured properly
Network computer's IP: 192.168.0.1
Network computer's Username: myusername
Network computer's Password: mypassword
Shared folder's name: linux
Local mount folder: /media/sharename
sudo mkdir /media/sharename
sudo gedit /root/.smbcredentials
- Insert the following lines into the new file
username=myusername
password=mypassword
- Save the edited file (sample)
sudo chmod 700 /root/.smbcredentials
sudo cp /etc/fstab /etc/fstab_backup
sudo gedit /etc/fstab
- Append the following line at the end of file
//192.168.0.1/linux /media/sharename smbfs credentials=/root/.smbcredentials,dmask=777,fmask=777 0 0
- Save the edited file (sample)
- Read How to remount /etc/fstab without rebooting?
Q: How to configure remote desktop (not secure)?
- Read General Notes
Warning! Remote Desktop will only work if there's a GNOME login session
Leaving computer with an unattended GNOME login session is not secure
Use (System -> Lock Screen) and off the monitor when computer is left unattended
- System -> Preferences -> Remote Desktop
- Remote Desktop Preferences
Sharing ->
Allow other users to view your desktop (Checked)
Allow other users to control your desktop (Checked)
Security ->
Ask you for confirmation (Un-Checked)
Require the user to enter this password: (Checked)
Password: Specify the password
Q: How to connect into remote Ubuntu desktop?
- Read General Notes
e.g. Assumed that remote Ubuntu machine have configured Remote Desktop
Read How to configure remote desktop (not secure)?
Remote Ubuntu machine: 192.168.0.1
vncviewer -fullscreen 192.168.0.1:0
- To quit vncviewer
Press 'F8' -> Quit viewer
Q: How to connect into remote Ubuntu desktop via Windows machine?
- Read General Notes
e.g. Assumed that remote Ubuntu machine have configured Remote Desktop
Read How to configure remote desktop (not secure)?
Remote Ubuntu machine: 192.168.0.1
- Download VNC Viewer: Here
Q: How to mount/unmount Windows partitions (NTFS) manually, and allow all users to read only?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to list partition tables?
e.g. Assumed that /dev/hda1 is the location of Windows partition (NTFS)
Local mount folder: /media/windows
- To mount Windows partition
sudo mkdir /media/windows
sudo mount /dev/hda1 /media/windows/ -t ntfs -o nls=utf8,umask=0222
- To unmount Windows partition
sudo umount /media/windows/
Q: How to mount/unmount Windows partitions (FAT) manually, and allow all users to read/write?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to list partition tables?
e.g. Assumed that /dev/hda1 is the location of Windows partition (FAT)
Local mount folder: /media/windows
- To mount Windows partition
sudo mkdir /media/windows
sudo mount /dev/hda1 /media/windows/ -t vfat -o iocharset=utf8,umask=000
- To unmount Windows partition
sudo umount /media/windows/
Q: How to mount Windows partitions (NTFS) on boot-up, and allow all users to read only?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to list partition tables?
e.g. Assumed that /dev/hda1 is the location of Windows partition (NTFS)
Local mount folder: /media/windows
sudo mkdir /media/windows
sudo cp /etc/fstab /etc/fstab_backup
sudo gedit /etc/fstab
- Append the following line at the end of file
/dev/hda1 /media/windows ntfs nls=utf8,umask=0222 0 0
- Save the edited file (sample)
- Read How to remount /etc/fstab without rebooting?
Q: How to mount Windows partitions (FAT) on boot-up, and allow all users to read/write?
- Read General Notes
- Read How to list partition tables?
e.g. Assumed that /dev/hda1 is the location of Windows partition (FAT)
Local mount folder: /media/windows
sudo mkdir /media/windows
sudo cp /etc/fstab /etc/fstab_backup
sudo gedit /etc/fstab
- Append the following line at the end of file
/dev/hda1 /media/windows vfat iocharset=utf8,umask=000 0 0
- Save the edited file (sample)
- Read How to remount /etc/fstab without rebooting?
Q: What are the basic things I need to know about securing my Ubuntu?
- Read General Notes
- Ensure hard drive is first in BIOS boot-up sequence
- To prevent trespassers from using Linux Installation CD which allows them to gain root user access
- To prevent trespassers from using Linux Live CD (e.g. UBUNTU/KNOPPIX/MEPIS) which allows them to destroy/browse/share the entire hard drive
- To prevent trespassers from installing another Operating System
- Ensure a password is set for BIOS
- To prevent trespassers from changing the BIOS boot-up sequence
- Ensure computer is located at a secured place
- To prevent trespassers from removing computer's hard drive which allows them to destroy/browse/share the entire hard drive from a different computer
- To prevent trespassers from removing computer's on-board battery which resets the BIOS password
- Ensure passwords used on the system cannot be easily guessed
- To prevent trespassers from cracking password file using brute force attacks (e.g. John the Ripper)
- Create password with minimum length of 8 characters
- Create password with mixture of characters/numbers, and upper/lower case
- Ensure interactive editing control for GRUB menu is disabled
- To prevent trespassers from modifying kernel boot-up arguments which allows them to have root user access
- Read How to disable all interactive editing control for GRUB menu?
- Ensure history listing is disabled in Console mode
- To prevent trespassers from seeing previously issued commands
- Read How to disable history listing in Console mode?
- Ensure Ctrl+Alt+Del is disabled in Console mode
- To prevent trespassers from restarting the system without permission in Console mode
- Read How to disable Ctrl+Alt+Del from restarting computer in Console mode?
- Ensure interactive option is set for remove, copy and move of files/folders in Console mode
- To prevent accidental removal/overwritten of files/folders
- Read How to enable prompt before removal/overwritten of files/folders in Console mode?
- For day to day usage, login as a normal user
- To prevent accidental deletion/modification of system files/folders
- Read How to add/edit/delete system users?
- Disable root user account, use "sudo" instead
- To reduce the amount of time spent with root privileges, and thus the risk of inadvertently executing a command as root
- "sudo" provides a more useful audit trail (/var/log/auth.log)
- Read How to disable root user account?
- Install a Firewall
- A firewall does not guarantee security but it is in most environments the first line of defense against network based attacks
- Read How to install Firewall (Firestarter)?
- Perform vulnerability test
- Nessus is a great tool designed to automate the testing and discovery of known security problems
- Read How to install Vulnerability Scanner (Nessus)?
Q: How to disable all interactive editing control for GRUB menu?